2011 NCAA FBS College Football Preview: 25 Players To Watch For - #10

#10- Bryce Brown/ Tailback/ Redshirt Sophomore/ Kansas State Wildcats 

In the winter of 2009, The #1 overall high school football recruit in the U.S, Bryce Brown, from Wichita, Kansas, had his choice of colleges narrowed down to three major football schools.  Oregon, Miami,FL, and Tennessee had courted Brown, and the 6'0 220 lbs. tailback chose to attend Tennessee over Miami, who had his older brother Arthur at linebacker at the time and had Bryce held to a non-binding verbal commitment for two years previous.
Head coach Lane Kiffin, then at UT, now at USC, promised the sun, moon, and stars to Brown to get him at UT, but once the star got on campus, the treatment turned into isolation, lies, and cold shoulders. Though Brown got through his first year with the Vols, rushing for 460 yards on 101 attempts with 3 touchdowns,  it was inevitable that the tailback would leave Knoxville and find another path to success. Brown became unhappy with Kiffin, as he was in the coaches doghouse, and also seemed very disgruntled being at that far of a distance from his family, and his hometown of Wichita.  At the end of the '09 season, Brown left UT over night without anybody but his family knowing that he was leaving the Tennessee campus in Knoxville, for good.  Soon after, news came that his brother Arthur, who was also a highly regarded recruit in 2008, was transferring out of Miami to go back home and attend Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas along with his younger brother Bryce.
Arthur redshirted the 2010 season with Bryce at KSU, making the upcoming season Arthur's junior year and Bryce's sophomore year of eligibility.  With the familiarity of home, and being with his sibling, I expect major production in 2011 from both Brown's, especially Bryce. Arthur will make a huge impact on the defensive side of the ball, where K-State needs a presence at linebacker, and Bryce will replace new Miami Dolphins running back and former Wildcat, Daniel Thomas. Thomas had a huge breakout last year, becoming one of college football's best running backs, and with legendary head coach Bill Snyder back for his 20th season at KSU (Snyder retired in 2005 and returned in 2009) I expect nothing less than numerous awards and a blast off start at the all-time rushing record of 4,979 yards at KSU held by San Diego Chargers tailback and return man Darren Sproles, who was at KSU from 2001-2004.
To say the least, I expect big things from Bryce Brown and Kansas State in 2011. 

Article: Ronald Hill
Photo: courtesy of mbd.scout.com

Tressel resigns as Head Coach at The Ohio State University

 Tressel Calls it "Quits" after Turmoil

On Monday morning, Ohio State head football coach Jim Tressel put an end to the mayhem and controversy surrounding the OSU football program, and resigned his duties after ten years of profound success in Columbus as head coach. Tressel refused to be forthcoming with the knowledge that five of his players had sold memorabilia and Big Ten championship rings for money and credit at a local tattoo parlor.  Last week, former Buckeye wide receiver Ray Small came out with a statement on ESPN, saying that he and many other former OSU student-athletes received illegal benefits and handouts while playing and attending school at The Ohio State University. The accusation first had been at former linebacker/ defensive end Thaddeus Gibson, who was accused of not making a single payment for a vehicle registered under his name at a local car dealership. Then came the news with Small, who claimed to have had the same preferential treatment, and also claimed to have received a vehicle from the same car dealership.
This was not surprising news, but the timing was very shocking, with the start of the 2011 season only 3 months away.President Gordon Gee and interim head coach Luke Fickell will have to maintain the outrage from loyal students, fans, and alumni until the Buckeyes clean up this mess and find a replacement for Tressel and the five starters suspended ( quarterback Terrelle Pryor, defensive end Solomon Thomas, offensive tackle Mike Adams, tailback Daniel "Boom" Herron, and wide receiver DeVier Posey).
The repercussions in the win/loss record of the upcoming season is filled with pressure, but so will be the continuity of the program. This cannot turn the Ohio State football program into 1985 SMU. It is a complete disaster that seems to not have an end to this jaw dropping story as it got worse by the day until the resignation of Tressel today.
Coach Tressel was 106-22 at OSU with 8 BCS appearances, and a 3 time national coach of the year, including 3 BCS title games, winning one national championship in 2003.  That being said, Tressel's success had nothing to do with his demise.
The move seemed to signal that this may be the end of a nightmare and the beginning of a dream that involves a local coach who needs to return to the Buckeye state. As an OSU alum, I only want one coach, and his name is Urban Meyer.

Article: Ronald Hill ( Ohio State alum -2009-2010)
Photo: Courtesy of subnews.us

2011 NCAA FBS College Football Preview: 25 Players To Watch For - #11

#11- Mack Brown/ Tailback/ Florida Gators/ Sophomore    

First year head coach Will Muschamp and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis bring an entirely new offensive scheme to Gainesville this fall, cutting out the spread offense that former head coach Urban Meyer ran to perfection in his time with the Gators. In his time at Notre Dame from 2005-2009 , Weis had mixed success, with a record of 35-27 and ran the same pro offense that had previously won him a super bowl ring as the New England Patriots Offensive coordinator. Though Weis had only some success, he worked with individual talent as good as any other coach in the country, guiding former Irish quarterback Brady Quinn to the 1st round of the NFL Draft after a dominant college career with the Domers. This year, the option read and zone read plays will be as far in the rear view mirror as Ron Zook and his days as coach were. Long forgotten! The pounding running game and pro style offense will allow the Gators to feature 3 very capable running backs that will produce big numbers behind a gigantic offensive line.  Senior Chris Rainey, (5'9 176 lbs.) is a small, speedy back who has been used as a hybrid "back/receiver in Meyer's system, but will see more action between the tackles in '11 under Muschamp and Weis. The key on offense will be the running back tandem of Mack Brown and Mike Gillislee and consistent play from senior quarterback John Brantley.  Speed demon Junior Mike Gillislee (5'11 195 lbs.) and sophomore workhorse Mack Brown (5'11 200 lbs.) are both in the mix with Rainey to take over the starting position, and if Brown wins the job, he will excel. He has the mixture of size, speed and field vision to be the first 1,000 yard rusher (at the RB position) in at least 7 years. Brown was a very highly regarded recruit, like many Gators, coming out of Lithonia, Georgia last year and was ranked the #8 best running back in the 2010 class by Phil Steele Magazine. In my opinion, the only thing that has kept Florida from being the next dynasty in College football is a great tailback.  If Brown Starts the season as #1 on the depth chart along with consistent play from Brantley, watch out SEC, and especially watch out for a new dynasty starting in Gainesville, Florida.

Article: Ronald Hill
Photo: Courtesy of Life.com

2011 NCAA FBS College Football Preview: 25 Players To Watch For - #12

#12- Josh Huff/ Wide Receiver/ Sophomore/ Oregon Ducks 

Coming out of Nimitz High School in Houston,Texas, there weren't too many dual threat quarterbacks that showed the flash, skill, and raw play making ability that Huff possesses, which made him a highly touted four star athlete who was coveted by many schools, including hometown TCU, who Huff had been committed to verbally until national signing day, and switched his commitment to sign his Letter of intent the last day to The University of Oregon.
Huff's size (5'11 210 lbs.) and ability or lack thereof throwing the ball at the next level was evident, but head coach Chip Kelly never intended for Huff to be a quarterback. With the play making skills, vertical jump, electric, blazing speed, power, and field vision that the young Texan has, Kelly put him at Wide Receiver and Kick/punt returner to utilize his vision and create space in the open field. Huff played every game in 2010 for the Ducks, making him the only true freshman to see the field for Oregon's offense in all 13 games.
The talented freshman had 1, 086 all purpose yards, including 214 rushing yards on 12 carries (16.5 yards per carry) with 303 yards receiving and 3 touchdowns, mostly in the slot position. Most of the damage caused by Huff was in special teams, as he was magnificent as a kick returner, tallying up 567 yards on 23 returns( 43.6 avg.!!!!). Now that last year's starting wide receivers have graduated, Oregon is looking for Huff to step in to the main flanker role and give the Ducks a deep threat along with a solid presence, making him a go-to-guy.
With the athleticism, and style of offense Oregon runs, I see a big connection in the making with quarterback Darron Thomas and Huff, with the ladder adding skills and attributes that past Oregon receivers have lacked in their game. If the two time defending PAC 10 champions look to three peat, they need Huff to be the All-American caliber player he is breaking out to be.
We will see how he is utilized and how often offensive coordinator/head coach Chip Kelly decides to put the ball in Huff's hands this upcoming season. Either way, Huff is poised to break out and have a monster season in the inaugural year of the PAC-12.

Article: Ronald Hill
Photo: courtesy of zimbio.com

2011 NCAA FBS College Football Preview: 25 Players To Watch For - #13

#13-  Tony Jefferson/ Defensive Back/ Oklahoma Sooners/ Sophomore 

The Oklahoma Sooners are coming into the 2011 season as most media outlets and preseason top 25 polls  #1 ranked team in college football.The Sooners are loaded with ballers all over the 2-3 deep depth chart, and quarterback Landry Jones and wide receiver Ryan Broyles head into the season as Heisman Trophy favorites. On the defensive side of the ball, OU loses defensive end Jeremy Beal, cornerback Jonathan Nelson,safety  Quinton Carter and linebacker Austin Box, a incoming senior with a year left to graduate and play football, who tragically passed away last week in his parents home due to unknown causes as of Thursday. The big bright spot for Oklahoma is safety, and 2nd year starter Tony Jefferson.
As a true freshman coming from San Diego, California last year, Jefferson made a huge impact for a guy who had been playing high school football a year previous. The extremely talented, skilled safety started all 14 games last year for the Big  12 and Fiesta Bowl champions, and finished in the team's top five in every defensive category. Jefferson had a big year with 2 interceptions, 7 pass deflections,  and 72 total tackles, 44  solo. One of his two interceptions was returned for a touchdown. Oklahoma has produced endless amounts of NFL starters in program history, and with the talent of Jefferson,  I am convinced he will be the next big name defensive NFL star coming out of OU and will have a monster sophomore season along with a great career; the kid is a beast.

Article: Ronald Hill

Photo: Courtesy of newsok.com

2011 NCAA FBS College Football Preview: 25 Players To Watch For - #14

#14-  Carlos Hyde/ Tailback/ The Ohio State Buckeyes/ Sophomore  .

The bad news for Ohio State started when the NCAA investigated five of their best players, Quarterback Terrelle Pryor,- Tailback Daniel "Boom "Herron- Defensive End- Solomon Thomas- Wide Receiver DeVier Posey, and Offensive Tackle Mike Adams. The NCAA found evidence that the athletes sold memorabilia and championship rings, in exchange of money and credit for tattoos at a local parlor, giving way to many sanctions and rule violations . The NCAA suspended all players involved for the first 6 games of the 2011 season.  Then came the back breaking news of head coach Jim Tressel being investigated by the NCAA for his involvement in the situation, and not forthcoming the knowledge that he knew the players were breaking NCAA rules, as he was, all along.He was also suspended for the first six games of the year. The fallout in the media has been brutal on the program, but replacing the suspended players, and players lost due to graduation or the  NFL Draft, will hurt the program immensely in the first half of the '11 season.
Traditionally, in years past, when the Buckeyes have lacked depth or talent at quarterback, they relied on pounding the ball, playing conservative football and staying mostly on the ground winning time of possesion. With Pryor and Herron out the first 6 games, two first year starters will be in the backfield through the first half of the season. This means that OSU will change back to a run oriented offense and Sophomore tailback Carlos Hyde could emerge in the same way that Maurice Clarett did in 2001-2002, with Hyde being more close to the size of former Buckeye Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George. Hyde has the talent to beat out Jordan Hall and Jammal Berry as the starting tailback, and the big sophomore only needs that opportunity to show that he could be the next superstar in Columbus.

Article by: Ronald Hill
Photo: Courtesy of photo.the-ozone.net

2011 NCAA FBS College Football Preview: 25 Players To Watch For - #15

#15- Lache Seastrunk/ Tailback/ Oregon Ducks/ Redshirt Freshman 

Two years ago, the dynamic running back tandem of LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner electrified the nation as they finished in the top 10 in rushing offense. That success continued last season as the Ducks ran up the stat lines and scoreboards week after week. The only defenses that had success against Oregon last season were California, who played the ducks very strong at home in November but couldn't find offense when they needed it most, losing 15-13, and Auburn, who beat Oregon in the National Championship game 22-19.  The Ducks have graduated two starting wide receivers this season, Jeff Maehl, and D.J Davis, and a few pivotal starting lineman with experience, including Center Jordan Holmes . The offense will need to replace these starters, but other than those losses, everybody returns including star running back James, and quarterback Darron Thomas, who will be a junior and 2nd year starter in 2011.
The tandem of James and Barner was given a gift last season as Temple, TX star running back and #3 RB recruit, Lache Seastrunk joined the duo. The ducks had the luxury of James and Barner last season, and decided smartly to redshirt Seastrunk, giving him a year to learn and comprehend the fast, up-tempo, never stop offense ran by 3rd year head coach Chip Kelly.
The Ducks are coming off of back to back PAC -10 championships as they enter the inaugural year of the expanded and newly named PAC -12. The Ducks do not play new member Utah, or long time PAC-10 nemesis UCLA, giving them a favorable schedule in '11.
If Seastrunk picks up the offense, he has the talent to jump Barner on the depth chart to backup and spell LaMichael James if the Heisman Trophy candidate needs rest or gets injured. This could be a three headed monster for Oregon if Seastrunk quits running horizontally, and hits the inside gaps left open on the Option read that Gang Green runs to perfection. I expect Seastrunk to make a splash in his first year on the turf at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, and a 3rd straight conference championship for this very talented and unique Oregon team.

Article: Ronald Hill
Photo: courtesy of goducks.com

2011 NCAA FBS College Football Preview: 25 Players To Watch For- #16

#16-  Connor Shaw/ Quarterback/ South Carolina/ Sophomore 

Coming into the 2011 season, The SEC is a three team race as of now. What's shocking is that defending national champion Auburn, is not one of them. Alabama, LSU, and South Carolina are the pre-season favorites to challenge for the SEC Championship, but don't count Florida out, with the talent they have, it would be smart to never count the Gators out.  South Carolina has never had the team prowess that it carries right now for the upcoming season. The Gamecocks have two NFL caliber Quarterbacks Stephen Garcia and Connor Shaw, a 1st round talent at Wide Receiver, Alshon Jeffery, arguably the best Running back tandem in the country( Oregon likely disagrees) with Marcus Lattimore, and his dynamic back up Kenny Miles , and the #1 overall prospect in the nation, local defensive end Jadaveon Clowney.
Head Coach Steve Spurrier has brought in the #1 overall prospect two years in a row now with the additions of Lattimore and  Clowney. If the defense keeps the Cocks in close games, they could be dark horse national title contenders. I am very high on this team, and expect big things from Spurrier and his best team ever at South Carolina. Fortunately for Coach Spurrier, he has two great quarterbacks with Garcia and Shaw.
Off field issues and academic issues ,along with inconsistency has plagued the career of senior starter Stephen Garcia. As of now, Garcia is indefinitely suspended leaving the starting job open for Connor Shaw. The young sophomore from Flowery Branch, Georgia appeared in 9 games in 2010, mostly backing up Garcia, and threw for 223 yards hitting on  22-33 pass attempts. (69.7 completion pct.). Shaw added pizazz with his feet as well, bringing an element to the Gamecock offense that Garcia doesn't have. Finishing 4th on the team in rushing, Shaw had 32 carries for 165 yards on the ground.
His maturation continued during the spring game, and now Spurrier has a choice to make.
Who to start at quarterback in 2011?  This decision could make or break the season for South Carolina and I expect them to be playing in a BCS Game for the 1st time in school history. 

Article: Ronald Hill

Photo: Courtesy of independentmail.com

2011 NCAA FBS College Football Preview: 25 Players To Watch For - #17

#17- Robert Woods/ Wide Receiver/ USC Trojans/ Sophomore

What can I say that is negative about the type of  football player USC gets year in and out? When Pete Carroll was in Los Angeles from 2000 to 2009, the Trojans built a dynasty, winning 3 national titles and producing many NFL main stays. From Johnnie Morton to  R.Jay Soward, Kareem Kelly, Mike Williams, Steve Smith, Dwayne Jarrett, to now Robert Woods, Kyle Prater, Victor Blackwell, and George Farmer, the Trojans have had tremendous success at the Wide Receiver position and this year will be a breakout year for the ladder names. The benefit they have is similar to the benefit the other great receivers at SC had in their college career. A great quarterback to throw to them. Soward, Williams, and Kelly had Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer behind center, Jarret and Smith had Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart as their signal caller. Do you see a pattern? Matt Barkley, USC's Jr. QB, is the next great USC arm, and has skills beyond his age.
Second year head coach Lane Kiffin has the the #2 receiving core in the nation that the offense and Barkley will benefit greatly from. Woods is an amazing talent and finds holes in coverage to break off defenders and  is the Trojans leading returner statistically at wide receiver. The 6'1 190 lbs. flanker caught  65 passes for 792 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2010.
Last year, due to a cut in scholarships from NCAA sanctions, USC was basically forced to play Woods immediately without the thought of redshirting him. Instead they redshirted Kyle Prater, another ballyhooed receiver from Illinois, who came in last year's recruting class with Woods.
USC might not be able to contend for a national title this season due to those sanctions(which includes a 3 year bowl ban), but watch out for the dangerous receivers and offense that the Trojans will showcase. Impressive is an understatement.

Article by: Ronald Hill
Photo: courtesy of usctrojans.com

2011 NCAA FBS College Football Preview: 25 Players To Watch For - #18

#18- Jeffrey Godfrey/ Quarterback/ UCF Knights/ Sophomore 

Out of the top 40 quarterback prospects coming into the season last year, I saw tape on Jeffrey Godfrey and saw as much or more talent than anybody above him. That being said, he was #32 overall prospect at QB, but that doesn't mean much besides the kids ahead of him were better high school players. Since he surprised everybody and chose to attend Central Florida, immediately after singing with UCF, Godfrey was the biggest win the program had ever captured on or off the field. His talent got him on the field as a true freshman, and the gifted youngster threw for 2,159 yards with a 13/8 touchdown to interception ratio (66% , 154.3 QB rating). He also ran for 566 yards and 9 touchdowns on the ground. Going into his sophomore season in Orlando, Godfrey looks poised to have a special year and should be considered one of the 10 best dual threat quarterbacks in college football this year.

Article : Ronald Hill
Photo: Courtesy of orlandosentinal.com

2011 NCAA FBS College Football Preview: 25 Players To Watch For- #19

#19- Robert Bolden/ Quarterback/ Penn State Nittany Lions/ Sophomore  

Long time Penn State head coach Joe Paterno still somehow gets great recruits, likely because playing for a legendary coach and program cannot hurt, and Joe Pa maximizes the ability of a player as good as any coach in college football. The Last two seasons, the Nittany Lions have struggled to find a replacement to former quarterback Daryl Clark, who took PSU to the rose bowl in '07-08, losing to USC in a hard fought battle that nobody expected the Lions to win 38-24.  In the spring of last year, Paterno had to choose which talented incoming freshman would get the job as starting quarterback? Rob Bolden was the #5 overall prospect at QB, while fellow freshman QB, Paul Jones, was the 7th ranked QB coming out of high school. It was Bolden who got the call, and started right out of the gates vs Youngstown State in week 1. Sophomores Matt McGloin, and Kevin Newsome also saw action at QB last season for the Nittany Lions, but it will be Bolden that will have the expectations thrown at him. Especially since he is the top prospect at the position on the team, and he had an up and down freshman season, throwing for a modest 1,360 yards with a 5/7 touchdown to interception ratio. Traditionally, Penn State runs a pro style offense, so Bolden was not given the room to improvise or run on plays called for him.  Adjusting the offensive scheme to fit Bolden's abilities might be the best way to go for the Lions in the future and upcoming season. At some point this season, Bolden will break out of his shell, and take the starting position for good.

Article: Ronald Hill
Photo: courtesy of lehighvalleylive.com

2011 NCAA FBS College Football Preview: 25 Players To Watch For -# 20

#20- Phillip Sims/ Quarterback/ Alabama Crimson Tide/ RS Freshman   

Like Alabama needs any more talent for Nick Saban to turn into gold! Regardless, he is a master recruiter and signed the #1 overall quarterback Phillip Sims coming out of high school last year, giving the Tide what they need for the future. A dual threat quarterback who has 4 years of eligibility. For Sims, he is coming into the year in a heated battle for the starting role with another highly touted slinger, sophomore A.J McCarron. Saban likes what he sees from both signal callers, as they each bring different skill sets to the position and surely will give both guys meaningful snaps and experience this year. Another dominant year for Bama rests on the right arm of Sims or McCarron, likely both.

Article By Ronald Hill
Photo: Courtesy of bleacherreport.com

2011 NCAA FBS College Football Preview: 25 Players To Watch For # 21

#21- Keenan Allen/ Wide Receiver/ California Golden Bears/ Sophomore

In February of last year, national signing day approached and Alabama thought they had secured the #3 overall defensive back in the the country coming out of high school in Greensboro, North Carolina. Little did the Bama staff know, defensive end Gabe King, and Linebacker Chris McCain, who had already committed verbally to Oregon, both also from the Greensboro area,  were planning with Allen, to switch their commitments and sign their letter of intent to play football at Cal- Berkeley. On National signing day, all three signed their L.O.I's with Cal confirming the rumors. Allen arrived on Campus as the highest ranked recruit since #1 overall Wide Receiver and now Philadelphia Eagles wide out DeSean Jackson. Oddly, their stories are similar. Jackson, who came to Cal in 2005, was the number one recruit at his position and had been courted and verbally committed to the hometown (Jackson is from the Los Angeles area) USC Trojans. Late in the process, Jackson switched his commitment, shocking many local fans, and signed his L.O.I with Cal. The rest is history, Jackson now is an all-pro WR and Kick Returner, with electric speed , agility, elusiveness, and athleticism. The comparisons stop there though as the size and speed of Allen and Jackson are vastly different. 10th year head coach Jeff Tedford had to see something that made him and offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig scratch their heads and decide for Allen to play offense, giving him the ball in space and utilizing his athleticism and size. Allen is 6'3 200 lbs, and is very athletic with a high football I.Q. Last year, he was on the field as a true freshman, signaling that Tedford never intended to keep Allen on the sidelines. Since arriving at Cal, and becoming a full-time WR, Allen ran for 136 yards on 18 carries and a touchdown, which was 3rd best on the team rushing, and caught 46 passes for 490 yards and 5 td's( 2nd best on team). Although Cal has extremely talented players all over the field, they have been inconsistent this decade, starting fast and floundering at the end of the season. Coming off a 5-7 record, the Golden Bears are looking to jump into the upper echelon of the PAC-12 and stay there. With a ton of highly regarded recruits coming off of redshirt years, I expect Allen's numbers to improve and for him to be one of the best up and coming receivers in college football.

Photo: Courtesy of cal bears online.com                   
article by Ronald Hill
Recruiting Sources: Tom Lemming, Rivals.com, Phil Steele.com

2011 NCAA FBS College Football Preview: 25 Players To Watch For # 22

#22 - Connor Wood- Quarterback- Texas Longhorns/ RS Freshman 

Last Season, the Texas Longhorns finished the season 5-7 and missed a bowl game for the first time under head coach Mack Brown, who has been at UT since 1997-98. In 2009, Texas was undefeated in the regular season, and lost to #1 Alabama in the BCS National Championship Game.  Coming into Brown's 14th season as head coach this season, he has options at the quarterback position which might cause him a problem that many coaches would love to have. Two highly regarded QB's who can make plays and win games.
Garrett Gilbert, who started last year and relieved Colt McCoy in the National Title game after McCoy got knocked out of the game in the first quarter, has shown good attributes and mechanics at the position, but he has been very inconsistent in passing numbers and winning ball games. Last winter, the Longhorns recruited and signed the # 6 overall prospect, Connor Wood, and he was enrolled and learning the offense by spring practice. Wood is coming off of a redshirt year, and is looking to crack the starting lineup. He looked the best of all 3 quarterbacks in the spring game, ( The 3rd QB  happens to be McCoy's younger brother, Case) and Coach Brown will not hesitate to give Wood a chance at the starting position if the offense sputters under Gilbert. Either way, Gilbert is a junior, and only has this and next year left on his playing eligibility, so getting Wood meaningful reps and game time will be crucial for the near future of University of Texas football. 

Article: Ronald Hill
Photo: courtesy of projo.com

2011 NCAA FBS College Football Preview: 25 Players To Watch For - #23

#23- Bryant Moniz/Senior/ Quarterback/ Hawaii Warriors

When Boise State decided to move to the mountain west conference, every team in the WAC rejoiced, finally believing that the conference is up for grabs. No team embraces this gift more than the Warriors, who have a history of being contenders year in and out  in the WAC, even when Boise was there dominating the conference. This program has experienced the feeling of being on top. The 2007 team, led by then head coach June Jones and quarterback Colt Brennan, went undefeated in the regular season, breaking a school record for wins, finishing the season 12-1. Including a 39-27 victory vs Boise State, Hawaii dominated nearly every team they played in '07. Eight different games the Warriors put up at least 40 points and jumped in the polls to as high as #10 in the nation. Unfortunately for Hawaii, they ended up in the Sugar Bowl, getting pounded 41-10 by #4 Georgia. The positive for the program was that they made a BCS bowl game from a non automatic qualifying conference.The last few years have been transition years for 4th year head coach Greg McMackin who replaced Jones after the '07 season. This year the offense loses six starters, including three offensive lineman, two wide receivers( Both Drafted) and their starting tailback(also drafted).  I am not sure Hawaii can easily fill in those spots, but they do return quarterback Bryant Moniz. The pony tailed, surfer quarterback  enrolled in Honolulu as a walk-on, junior college transfer Pryor to the '09 season. His first year at UH, Moniz threw for 2,936 yards, with a 14/10 touchdown to interception ratio, replacing starter Greg Alexander, who was the clear cut starter but lost his remaining eligibility due to injury. Moniz really improved statistically in 2010, throwing for 5,040 yards and 39 touchdowns. (65% , 159.1 QB rating). His two worst games came first with USC in the opener at home, and at Boise State in the first week of November. Moniz threw a season low 137 yards on the smurf turf, and had to come out early in the SC game for concussion precaution. Other than that, Moniz played like a typical Hawaii Quarterback, leaving broken passing and yardage records in his trail. The 2011 season is up for grabs in the WAC.If Hawaii can beat Colorado at home in week 1, and replace the lost starters at receiver and Offensive line, Moniz should have another record breaking year and could lead UH to a WAC title.

Article: Ronald Hill
Photo: courtesy of sportsillustrated.cnn.com

2011 NCAA FBS College Football Preview: 25 Players To Watch For - #24

  # 24- Montel Harris/ Tailback/ Boston College/ Senior

Late in the season last fall, Harris showed his grit as a future NFL running back, rushing for over 100 yards in each of Boston College's last seven games, including five wins in a row to close the season. Harris has ideal size, 5'10 205 lbs., and  runs like a lightning bolt, quick as a flash. The talented back has rushed for 3,600 yards, and 27 touchdowns in his career, 1,234 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2010. Heading  into his senior year this upcoming fall, Harris is expected to be the Eagles main weapon and workhorse with a good nucleus of skill and talent at the remaining skill positions.

Article: Ronald Hill
Photo: courtesy of life.com

2011 NCAA FBS College Football Preview: 25 Players To Watch For

In the large realm of big time college football, there are many great players, teams, and coaches to speak of. This Preview is not focusing on all great players, as I will only write about the " X Factors" that are under the radar or young players who will bring loads of talent, production and to some, a surprise to their respective team. The 25 players mentioned are athletes who will have an impact each and every Saturday come fall. Here is my list of the top 25 "X factors", and players to watch for in the 2011 season. 

#25 -John Brantley/ Quarterback/ Florida Gators/ Senior

Brantley's first three years on campus at the University of Florida has been at best inconsistent. He is a traditional pocket passer who was the #4 overall Recruit in 2008, and successor to Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow. That alone is enough to bring inconsistency to the quarterback position for Florida. Attempting to replicate what Tebow did in Gainesville is near impossible; to the locals, the man is a god. First year Head Coach Will Muschamp is taking over for another legend, former Head Coach Urban Meyer, who won 2 national championships in a 5 year span tallying a 103-24 record throughout his career at Bowling Green, Utah, and Florida. Despite the loss of Meyer, the Gators hired a great recruiter and a winner with Muschamp, who hired former Notre Dame Head Coach Charlie Weis as Offensive Coordinator. The Gators got Muschamp away from University of Texas for reasons like John Brantley. Weis has a tremendous track record of grooming young QB's who can sling the skin. Most notably with former Michigan Wolverine quarterback  Tom Brady in New England, and former Irish quarterback Brady Quinn. The Gators have eliminated the spread offense that Meyer ran so successfully,  and implemented a Pro style offense that will make Brantley's attributes at quarterback stand out excessively this upcoming season. Regardless of the Gator's record this season,  Brantley will show improvement and lead Florida to more wins in their '11 campaign.

Article: Ronald Hill
Photo: courtesy of palmbeachpost.com

2011 NFL Draft : Round 7

                                  2011 NFL Draft: Round #7 (Final Round)  

#204- Denver Broncos- Virgil Green/ TE/ Nevada Wolfpack/ 6'5 240 lbs./ Sr.
#205- Seattle Seahawks- Lazarius Levingston/ DT/ LSU Tigers/ 6'4 270 lbs./ Sr.
#206- Buffalo Bills- Justin Rodgers/ CB/ Richmond Spiders/ Sr.
#207- Cincinnati Bengals- Korey Lindsey/ CB/ Southern Illinois Salukis/ Sr.
#208- New York Jets- Greg McElroy/ QB/ Alabama Crimson Tide/ 6'3 225 lbs./ Sr.
#209- Detroit Lions- Johnny Colbreath/ OT/ South Carolina State/ Sr.
#210- Atlanta Falcons- Andrew Jackson/ OG/ Fresno State Bulldogs/ 6'5 295 lbs./ Sr.
#211- San Francisco 49ers- Bruce Miller/ DE-OLB/ Central Florida Knights/ 6'2 258 lbs./ Sr.
#212- Tennessee Titans- Zach Clayton/ DT-NT/ Auburn Tigers/ 6'3 295 lbs./ Sr.
#213- Washington Redskins- Brandyn Thompson/ CB/ Boise State Broncos/ 5' 10 180 lbs./ Sr. 
#214- Houston Texans- Derek Newton/ OT/ Arkansas State Red Wolves/ 6'5 315 lbs./ Sr.
#215- Minnesota Vikings- D'Aundre Reed/ DE/ Arizona Wildcats/ 6'4 260 lbs./ Sr.
#216- St. Louis Rams- Mikail Baker/ FS/ Baylor Bears/ 6'0 205 lbs./ Sr.
#217- Washington Redskins- Maurice Hurt/ OG/ Florida Gators/ 6'3 320 lbs./ Sr.
#218- Green Bay Packers- Ryan Taylor/ TE/ North Carolina Tarheels/ 6'3 245 lbs./ Sr
#219- New England Patriots- Malcolm Williams/ CB/ TCU Horned Frogs/ 5'10  200 lbs./ Sr
#220- Dallas Cowboys- Shaun Chapas/ FB/ Georgia Bulldogs/ 6'2 253 lbs./ Sr.
#221- New York Giants- Da'Rel Scott/ RB/ Maryland Terrapins/ 5'11 203 lbs./ Sr.
#222- Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Anthony Gaitor/ CB/ FlIU Golden Panthers/ 5'10 180 lbs./ Sr.
#223- Kansas City Chiefs- Shane Bannon/ RB/ Yale Bulldogs/ Sr.
#224- Washington Redskins- Markus White/ DE/ Florida State Seminoles/ 6'4 266 lbs./ Sr.
#225- Baltimore Ravens- Anthony Allen/ RB/ Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets/ 6'0 240 lbs./ Sr.
#226- New Orleans Saints- Greg Romeus/ DE/ Pittsburgh Panthers/ 6'6  270 lbs./ Sr.
#227- New York Jets- Scotty McKnight/ WR/ Colorado Buffaloes/ 5'11 185 lbs./ Sr.
#228- St. Louis Rams- Jabara Williams/ LB-S/ Stephen F. Austin/ Sr.
#229- St. Louis Rams- Jonathan Nelson/ CB/ Oklahoma Sooners/ 5'11  175 lbs./ Sr.
#230- Atlanta Falcons- Cliff Matthews/ DE-OLB/ South Carolina Gamecocks/ 6'4 260 lbs./ Sr.
#231- Miami Dolphins- Frank Kearse/ DE-OLB/ Alabama A&M/ Sr.
#232- Pittsburgh Steelers- Baron Batch/ RB-WR/ Texas Tech Red Raiders/ 5'11  205 lbs./ Sr.
#233- Green Bay Packers- Lawrence Guy/ DT-NT/ Arizona State Sun Devils/ 6'5 305 lbs./ Jr.
#234- San Diego Chargers- Andrew Gachkar/ LB/ Missouri Tigers/ 6'3  235 lbs./ Sr.
#235- Miami Dolphins- Jimmy Wilson/ CB/ Montana Grizzlies/ Sr.
#236- Minnesota Vikings- Stephen Burton/ WR/ West Texas A&M/ Sr.
#237- Philadelphia Eagles- Greg Lloyd/ DE/ Connecticut Huskies/ 6'2  235 lbs./ Sr.
#238- Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Daniel Hardy/ TE/ Idaho Vandals/ 6'4 240/ Sr.
#239- San Francisco 49ers-  Mike Person/ OT/ Montana State/ Sr.
#240- Philadelphia Eagles- Stanley Havili/ FB/ USC Trojans/ 6'1  230 lbs./ Sr.
#241- Oakland Raiders- David Ausberry/ WR/ USC Trojans/ 6'4  235 lbs./ Sr.
#242- Seattle Seahawks- Malcolm Smith/ LB/ USC Trojans/ 6'1 230 lbs./ Sr.
#243- New Orleans Saints- Nathan Bussey/ LB/ Illinois Fighting Illini/ 6'2 220 lbs./ Sr.
#244- Carolina Panthers- Lee Ziemba/ OT/ Auburn Tigers/ 6'8 320 lbs./ Sr.
#245- Buffalo Bills- Michael Jasper/ DT/ Bethel College(Tennessee)/ Sr.
#246- Cincinnati Bengals- Jay Finley/ RB/ Baylor Bears/ 5'11 210 lbs./ Sr.
#247- Denver Broncos- Jeremy Beal/ DE-OLB/ Oklahoma Sooners/ 6'3 260 lbs./ Sr.
#248- Cleveland Browns- Eric Hagg/ SS-LB/ Nebraska Cornhuskers/ 6'2  210 lbs./ Sr.
#249- Arizona Cardinals- DeMarco Sampson/ WR/ California(PA)/ Sr.
#250- San Francisco 49ers- Curtis Holcombe/ CB/ Florida A&M Rattlers/ Sr.
#251 Tennessee Titans- Tommie Campbell/ S/ College: N/A
#252 Dallas Cowboys- Bill Nagy/ OG-C/ Wisconsin Badgers/ 6'3 320 lbs./ Sr.
#253-Washington Redskins- Chris Nield/ DT-NT/ West Virginia Mountaineers/ 6'2 300 lbs./ Sr.
#254- Houston Texans- Cheta Ozougwu/ DE/ Rice Owls/ 6'2  260 lbs./ Sr.

End Of Draft

2011 NFL Draft : Round 6

                                                          NFL Draft: Round 6

#166- Carolina Panthers- Lawrence Wilson/ LB/ Connecticut Huskies/ 6'1 220 lbs./ Sr.
#167- Cincinnati Bengals- Ryan Whalen/ WR/ Stanford Cardinal/ 6'2 207 lbs./ Sr.
#168- Minnesota Vikings- DeMarcus Love/ OT/  Arkansas Razorbacks/ 6'5 315 lbs./ Sr.
#169 - Buffalo Bills- Curtis White/ LB/ Mississippi State Bulldogs/ 6'4 245 lbs./ Sr.
#170- Minnesota Vikings- Mistral Raymond/ FS/ South Florida Bulls/ 6'1 185 lbs./ Sr.
#171- Arizona Cardinals- Quan Sturdivant/ LB/ North Carolina Tarheels/ 6'2 235 lbs./ Sr.
#172- Minnesota Vikings- Brandon Fusco/ C/ Slippery Rock/ 6'4 315 lbs./ Sr.
#173- Seattle Seahawks- Byron Maxwell/ CB/ Clemson Tigers/ 6'1 200 lbs./ Sr.
#174-Miami Dolphins- Charles Clay/ FB/ Tulsa Golden Hurricane/  6'3 235 lbs./ Sr.
#175- Tennessee Titans- Byron Stingily/ OT/ Louisville Cardinals/ 6'5 293 lbs./ Sr.
#176- Dallas Cowboys- Dwayne Harris/ WR/ East Carolina Pirates/ 6'0 205 lbs./ Sr.
#177- Washington Redskins- Evan Royster/ RB/ Penn State Nittany Lions/ 6'1 213 lbs./ Sr.
#178- Washington Redskins- Aldrick Robinson/ WR/ SMU Mustangs/ 5'10 180 lbs./ Sr.
#179- Green Bay Packers-Caleb Schlauderaff/ OG/ Utah Utes/ 6'4 304 lbs./ Sr.
#180- Baltimore Ravens- Tyrod Taylor/ QB/ Virgina Tech Hokies/  6'1 217 lbs./ Sr
#181- Oakland Raiders- Richard Gordon/ TE/ Miami Hurricanes/ 6'4 265 lbs./ Sr.
#182- San Francisco 49ers- Ronald Johnson/ WR/ USC Trojans/  6'1 200 lbs./ Sr.
#183- San Diego Chargers- Jordan Todman/ RB/ Connecticut Huskies/ 5'9 205 lbs./ Jr.
#184- Arizona Cardinals- David Carter/ DT/ UCLA Bruins/ 6'5 295 lbs./ Sr.
#185- New York Giants- Greg Jones/ LB/ Michigan State Spartans/ 6'1 240 lbs./ Sr.
#186- Green Bay Packers- D.J Smith/  LB/ Appalachian State/ LB/ 5'11 235 lbs./ Sr.
#187- Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Allen Bradford/ RB/ USC Trojans/ 5'11 245 lbs./ Sr.
#188- Indianapolis Colts- Chris L.Rucker/ CB/ Michigan State Spartans/ 6'2 195 lbs./ Sr. 
#189- Denver Broncos- Mike Mohamed/ LB/ California Golden Bears/ 6'3 240 lbs./ Sr.
#190- San Francisco 49ers- Colin Jones/ S/ TCU Horned Frogs/ 6'0 205 lbs./ Sr.
#191- Philadelphia Eagles- Jason Kelce/ OG/ Cincinnati Bearcats/  6'4 290 lbs./ Sr. 
#192- Atlanta Falcons- Matt Bosher/ K-P/ Miami Hurricanes/  6'0 205 lbs./ Sr
#193- Philadelphia Eagles- Brian Rolle/ LB/ The Ohio State Buckeyes/  5'11 220 lbs/ Sr.
#194- New England Patriots- Markell Carter/ LB/ Central Arkansas
#195- Chicago Bears- J.T Thomas/ LB/ West Virginia Mountaineers/ 6'2 225 lbs./ Sr. 
#196-  Pittsburgh Steelers- Keith Williams/ OG/ Nebraska Cornhuskers/ 6'5 313/ Sr.
#197-  Green Bay Packers- Ricky Elmore/ DE/ Arizona Wildcats/ 6'5 250 lbs./ Sr.
#198- New York Giants- Tyler Sash/ SS/ Iowa Hawkeyes/ 6'1 215 lbs./ Sr.
#199- Kansas City Chiefs- Jerrell Powe/ DT-NT/ Ole Miss Rebels/ 6'1 334 lbs./ Sr
#200- Minnesota Vikings- Ross Homan/ LB/ The Ohio State Buckeyes/ 6'0 230 lbs./ Sr.
#201- San Diego Chargers- Steven Schilling/ OG/ Michigan Wolverines/ 6'5 303 lbs./ Sr.
#202- New York Giants- Jacquian Williams/ LB-S/ South Florida Bulls/ 6'4 220 lbs./ Sr.
#203- Carolina Panthers- Zack Williams/ OG/ Washington State Cougars/ 6'5 305 lbs./ Sr.

End Of 6th Round

2011 NFL Draft : Round 5

                                                    2011 NFL Draft: Round 5 

#132- Carolina Panthers- Kealoha Pilares/ WR / Hawaii Warriors/ 5'11 200 lbs./ Sr.
#133- Buffalo Bills- Johnny White/ RB/ North Carolina Tarheels/ 5'10 205 lbs./ Sr.
#134- Cincinnati Bengals- Robert Sands/ FS/ West Virginia Mountaineers/ 6'5 225 lbs./ Jr.
#135- Kansas City Chiefs- Ricky Stanzi/ QB/ Iowa Hawkeyes/ 6'4 220 lbs./ Sr.
#136- Arizona Cardinals- Anthony Sherman/ FB/ Connecticut Huskies/ 5'11 245 lbs./ Sr.
#137- Cleveland Browns- Buster Skrine/ CB/ UT-Chattanooga/ 5'10 186 lbs./ Sr.
#138- New England Patriots- Marcus Cannon/ OT/ TCU Horned Frogs/ 6'5 350 lbs./ Sr.
#139- Minnesota Vikings- Brandon Burton/ CB/ Utah Utes/ 6'0 185 lbs./ Jr.
#140- Kansas City Chiefs- Gabe Miller/ DE/ Oregon State Beavers/ 6'3 250 lbs./ Sr.
#141- Green Bay Packers- D.J Williams/ TE/ Arkansas Razorbacks/ 6'2 245 lbs./ Sr.
#142- Tennessee Titans- Karl Klug/ DT/ Iowa Hawkeyes/ 6'4 270 lbs./ Sr.
#143- Dallas Cowboys- Josh Thomas/ CB/ Buffalo Bulls/ 5'10 186 lbs./ Sr.
#144- Houston Texans- Shiloh Keo/ FS/ Idaho Vandals/  5'11  215 lbs./ Sr.
#145- Atlanta Falcons- Jacquizz Rodgers/ RB/ Oregon State Beavers/  5'7 190 lbs./ Jr.
#146- Washington Redskins- DeJon Gomes/ SS/ Nebraska Cornhuskers/ 6'0 200 lbs./ Sr.
#147- Jacksonville Jaguars- Rod Issac/ CB/ Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders/ 5'11 190/ Sr.
#148- Oakland Raiders- Denarius Moore/ WR/ Tennessee Volunteers/ 6'1 195 lbs./ Sr.
#149- Philadelphia Eagles- Dion Lewis/ RB/ Pittsburgh Panthers/ 5'7 195 lbs./  So.
#150- Cleveland Browns- Jason Pinkston/ OT/ Pittsburgh Panthers/ 6'4 308 lbs./ Sr.
#151- Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Ahmad Black/ SS/ Florida Gators/ 5'9 184 lbs./ Sr.
#152- Houston Texans- T.J Yates/ QB/ North Carolina Tarheels/ 6'3 220 lbs./ Sr.
#153- New York Jets- Jeremy Kerley/ WR/ TCU Horned Frogs/ 5'10 190 lbs./ Sr.
#154- Seattle Seahawks- Richard Sherman/ CB/ Stanford Cardinal/ 6'3 195 lbs./ Sr.
#155- Washington Redskins- Niles Paul/ WR/ Nebraska Cornhuskers/ 6'1 220 lbs./ Sr.
#156- Seattle Seahawks- Mark Legree/ FS/ Appalachian State/ 6'0 210 lbs./ Sr.
#157- Detroit Lions- Doug Hogue/ LB/ Syracuse Orange/ 6'2 223 lbs./ Sr.
#158- St. Louis Rams- Jermale Hines/ FS/ The Ohio State Buckeyes/ 6'1 220 lbs./ Sr.
#159-  New England Patriots- Lee Smith/ TE/ Marshall Thundering Herd/ 6'6 265 lbs./ Sr.
#160- Chicago Bears-Nathan Enderle/ QB / Idaho Vandals/ 6'5 228 lbs./ Sr.
#161- Philadelphia Eagles Julian Vandervelde/ OG/ Iowa Hawkeyes/ 6'3 300 lbs./ Sr.
#162- Pittsburgh Steelers- Chris Carter/ DE-LB/ Fresno State Bulldogs/ 6'2 230 lbs./ Sr.
#163- San Francisco 49ers- Daniel Kilgore/ OL/ Appalachian State/ 6'3 310  lbs/ Sr.
#164- Baltimore Ravens- Chykie Brown/ CB/ Texas Longhorns/ 6'0 188 lbs./ Sr.
#165- Baltimore Ravens- Pernell McPhee/ DE/ Mississippi State Bulldogs/ 6'4 285 lbs./ Sr.

End Of 5th Round

2011 NFL Draft : Round 4

2011 NFL Draft: Round 4

#98- Carolina Panthers- Brandon Hogan/ CB/ West Virginia Mountaineers/ 5'10 192 lbs./ Sr.
#99- Seattle Seahawks- K.J Wright/ LB/ Mississippi State Bulldogs/ 6'4 246 lbs./ Sr.
#100-Buffalo Bills- Da'Norris Searcy/ SS/ North Carolina Tarheels/ 6'0 210 lbs./ Sr.
#101-Cincinnati Bengals- Clint Boling/ OT/ Georgia Bulldogs/  6'5 308 lbs./ Sr.
#102- Cleveland Browns- Jordan Cameron/ TE/ USC Trojans/ 6'5 255 lbs./ Sr.
#103- Arizona Cardinals- Sam Acho/ DE-OLB/ Texas Longhorns/  6'2 262 lbs./ Sr.
#104- Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Luke Stocker/ TE/ Tennessee Volunteers/ 6'5 260 lbs./ Sr.
#105- Washington Redskins- Roy Helu Jr./ RB/ Nebraska Cornhuskers/  6'0 225 lbs./ Sr.
#106- Minnesota Vikings- Christian Ballard/ DT/ Iowa Hawkeyes/ 6'4  285 lbs./ Sr.
#107- Seattle Seahawks- Kris Durham/ WR/ Georgia Bulldogs/  6'5 210 lbs./ Sr.
#108- Denver Broncos- Quinton Carter/ FS/ Oklahoma Sooners/ 6'1 193 lbs./ Sr.
#109- Tennessee Titans- Colin McCarthy/LB/ Miami Hurricanes/ 6'3 245 lbs./ Sr.
#110- Dallas Cowboys- David Arkin/ OT/ Missouri State Tigers/ 6'5 300 lbs./Sr.
#111- Miami Dolphins- Edmond Gates/ WR/ Abilene Christian University/ 6'0 192 lbs./ Sr.
#112- St. Louis Rams- Greg Salas/WR/ Hawaii Warriors/ 6'1 210 lbs./ Sr.
#113- Oakland Raiders- Chimdi Chekwa/ CB/ The Ohio State Buckeyes/ 6'0 190 lbs./ Sr.
#114- Jacksonville Jaguars- Cecil Shorts/ WR/ Mount Union College/ 6'0 205 lbs./ Sr.
#115- San Francisco 49ers- Kendall Hunter/ RB/ Oklahoma State Cowboys/ 5'7 200 lbs./ Sr.
#116  Philadelphia Eagles- Casey Matthews/ LB/ Oregon Ducks/ 6'2 235 lbs./ Sr.
#117- New York Giants- James Brewer/ OL/ Indiana Hoosiers/ 6'6 325 lbs./ Sr.
#118- Kansas City Chiefs- Jalil Brown/ CB/ Colorado Buffaloes/ 6'1 205 lbs./ Sr.
#119- Indianapolis Colts- Delone Carter/ RB/ Syracuse Orange/ 5'9 230 lbs./ Sr.
#120- Philadelphia Eagles- Alex Henery/ K-P/ Nebraska Cornhuskers/ 6'2 180 lbs./ Sr.
#121- Jacksonville Jaguars- Chris Prosinski/ FS/ Wyoming Cowboys/ 6'1 210 lbs./ Sr.
#122- Buffalo Bills- Chris Hairston/ OT/ Clemson Tigers/ 6'7 325 lbs./ Sr.
#123- Baltimore Ravens- Tandon Doss/ WR/ Indiana Hoosiers/ 6'2 202 lbs./ Sr.
#124- Cleveland Browns- Owen Marecic/ FB-LB/ Stanford Cardinal/ 6'1 250 lbs./ Sr.
#125- Oakland Raiders- Taiwan Jones/ RB/ Eastern Washington/ 6'0 195 lbs./ Sr.
#126- New York Jets- Bilal Powell/ RB/ Louisville Cardinals/ 5'11 207 lbs./ Sr.
#127- Houston Texans- Rashad (Rock) Carmichael/ CB/ Virginia Tech Hokies/  5'10 192 lbs./ Sr.
#128- Pittsburgh Steelers- Cortez Allen/ DB/ The Citadel/ 6'1 195 lbs./ Sr/
#129- Green Bay Packers-Julius Thomas/ TE/ Portland State Vikings/ 6'5 250 lbs./ Sr.
#130- Tennessee Titans- Jamie Harper/RB/ Clemson Tigers/ 5'11 235 lbs./ Sr.
#131- Green Bay Packers-Davon House/ CB/ New Mexico State Aggies/ 6'1 200 lbs./ Sr. 

End of Round 4

2011 NFL Draft : Round 3

#65- Carolina Panthers-  Terrelle McClain/ DT/ South Florida Bulls/ 6'3 302 lbs./ Sr.
#66- Cincinnati Bengals- Dontay Moch/ LB/ Nevada Wolfpack/ 6'1 245 lbs./ Sr.
#67- Denver Broncos-  Nate Irving/ LB/ North Carolina State Wolfpack/ 6'1 235 lbs./ Sr.
#68- Buffalo Bills- Kelvin Sheppard/ LB/ LSU Tigers/  6'3 239 lbs./ Sr.
#69- Arizona Cardinals- Rob Housler/ TE/ Florida Atlantic Owls/ 6'5 210 lbs./ Sr.
#70- Kansas City Chiefs- / Justin Houston/ DE-OLB/Georgia Bulldogs/  6'3 259 lbs./ Jr.
#71- Dallas Cowboys- DeMarco Murray/ RB/ Oklahoma Sooners/ 6'0 214 lbs./ Sr.
#72- New Orleans Saints- Martez Wilson/ LB/ Illinois Fighting Illini/ 6'4 250 lbs./ Jr.
#73- New England Patriots- Stevan Ridley/ RB/ LSU Tigers/ 6'0 226/ Jr.
#74- New England Patriots- Ryan Mallett/ QB/ Arkansas Razorbacks/ 6'7 238 lbs./ Jr.
#75- Seattle Seahawks- John Moffitt/ C-OG/ Wisconsin Badgers/ 6'5 323 lbs./ Sr.
#76- Jacksonville Jaguars- William Rackley/ OG/ Lehigh University
#77- Tennessee Titans- Jurrell Casey/ DT-NT/  USC Trojans/  6'1 295 lbs./ Jr.
#78- St. Louis Rams- Austin Pettis/ WR/ Boise State Broncos/ 6'3 197 lbs./ Sr.
#79- Washington Redskins- Leonard Hankerson/ WR/ Miami Hurricanes/ 6'3 215 lbs./ Sr.
#80- San Francisco 49ers- Chris Culliver/ DB/ South Carolina Gamecocks/ 6'1 197 lbs./ Sr.
#81- Oakland Raiders- DeMarcus Van Dyke/ CB/ Miami Hurricanes/ 6'1 185 lbs./ Sr.
#82- San Diego Chargers- Vincent Brown/ WR/ San Diego State Aztecs/ 6'0 195 lbs./ Sr.
#83- New York Giants- Jerrel Jernigan/ WR/ Troy (Alabama)Trojans/ 5'9 185 lbs./ Sr.
#84- Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Mason Foster/ LB/ Washington Huskies/ 6'2 244 lbs./ Sr.
#85- Baltimore Ravens- Jah Reid/ OT/ Central Florida Knights/ 6'7 326 lbs./ Sr.
#86- Kansas City Chiefs- Allen Bailey/ DE/ Miami Hurricanes/ 6'4 288 lbs./ Sr.
#87- Indianapolis Colts- Drake Nevis/ DT-NT/ LSU Tigers/ 6'1 292 lbs./ Sr.
#88- New Orleans Saints- Johnny Patrick/ CB/ Louisville Cardinals/ 6'0 196 lbs./ Sr.
#89- San Diego Chargers- Shareece Wright/ CB/ USC Trojans/ 6'0 185 lbs./ Sr.
#90- Philadelphia Eagles- Curtis Marsh/ CB/ Utah State Aggies/ 6'1 193 lbs./ Sr.
#91- Atlanta Falcons- Akeem Dent/ LB/ Georgia Bulldogs/ 6'2 233 lbs./ Sr.
#92- Oakland Raiders- Joseph Barksdale/ OT/ LSU Tigers/ 6'5 315 lbs./ Sr.
#93-Chicago Bears- Chris Conte/ S-LB/ California Golden Bears/ 6'3 220 lbs./ Sr.
#94- New York Jets- Kenrick Ellis/ DT-NT/ Hampton Pirates/  6'5 346 lbs./ Jr.
#95- Pittsburgh Steelers- Curtis Brown/ CB/ Texas Longhorns/ 6'0 180 lbs./ Sr.
#96- Green Bay Packers- Alex Green/ RB/ Hawaii Warriors/ 6'2 220 lbs./ Sr.
#97- Carolina Panthers- Sione Fua/ DT-NT/ Stanford Cardinal/ 6'2 307 lbs./ Sr.

End Of  3rd Round

2011 NFL Draft : Round 2

                                                  2011 NFL Draft: Round Two 

#33- New England Patriots- Ras-I Dowling/CB/ Virgina Cavaliers/ 6'2 205 lbs./ Sr.
#34- Buffalo Bills- Aaron Williams/ CB/ Texas Longhorns/ 6'1 192 lbs./ Jr.
#35- Cincinnati Bengals- Andy Dalton/ QB/ TCU Horned  Frogs/  6'3 215 lbs./ Sr.
#36- San Francisco 49ers- Colin Kaepernick/QB/ Nevada Wolfpack/ 6'6 215 lbs./ Sr.
#37- Cleveland Browns-Jabaal Sheard/ DE/ Pittsburgh Panthers/ 6'4 260 lbs./ Sr.
#38- Arizona Cardinals- Ryan Williams/ RB/ Virgina Tech / 5'10 211 lbs./ So.
#39- Tennessee Titans- Akeem Ayers/ LB/ UCLA Bruins/ 6'4 254 lbs./ Jr
#40- Dallas Cowboys- Bruce Carter/LB/ North Carolina Tarheels/ 6'3 230 lbs/ Sr.
#41 Washington Redskins- Jarvis Jenkins/DT/ Clemson Tigers / 6'4  310 lbs./ Sr
#42- Houston Texans- Brooks Reed/ DE/ Arizona Wildcats/ 6'3  255 lbs. / Sr.
#43- Minnesota Vikings- Kyle Rudolph/ TE/ Notre Dame Fighting Irish / 6'6 265 lbs/ Jr.
#44- Detroit Lions- Titus Young/ WR/ Boise State Bronco/ 5'11 170 lbs./ Sr.
#45- Denver Broncos- Rahim Moore/ FS/ UCLA Bruins/ 6'1 195 lbs./ Jr.
#46- Denver Broncos- Orlando Franklin/OT/ Miami Hurricanes/ 6'7 318 lbs./ Sr.
#47- St. Louis Rams- Lance Kendricks/ TE/ Wisconsin Badgers/ 6'4 239 lbs./ Sr.
#48- Oakland Raiders- Stefen Wisniewski/ C/ Penn State Nittany Lions/ 6'3 300 lbs/ Sr.
#49- Indianapolis Colts-Ben Ijalana/ OT/ Villanova Wildcats -N/A
#50- San Diego Chargers- Marcus Gilchrist/ CB/ Clemson Tigers/ 5'11 190 lbs/ Sr.
#51- Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Da'Quan Bowers/ DE/ Clemson Tigers/ 6'4 280 lbs./ Jr.
#52- New York Giants- Marvin Austin/ DT-NT/ North Carolina Tarheels/ 6'3 305 lbs/ Sr.
#53- Chicago Bears- Stephen Paea-/ DT-NT/ Oregon State Beavers / 6'1 311 lbs./ Sr.
#54- Philadelphia Eagles- Jaiquawn Jarrett/ S/ Temple Owls / 6'2 197/ Sr.
#55- Kansas City Chiefs- Rodney Hudson/ OG/ Florida State Seminoles/ 6'2 282 lbs./ Sr
#56- New England Patriots- Shane Vereen/RB/ California Golden Bears / 5'10 199 lbs./ Jr.
#57- Detroit Lions- Mikel LeShoure/ RB/ Illinois Fighting Illini / 6'0 230 lbs./ Jr.
#58- Baltimore Ravens- Torrey Smith/ WR/ Maryland Terrapins/ 6'1 200 lbs/ Jr.
#59- Cleveland Browns- Greg Little/ WR/ North Carolina Tarheels/ 6'3 215 lbs./ Sr.
#60- Houston Texans- Brandon Harris/ CB/ Miami Hurricanes/ 5'11 195 lbs./ Jr.
#61- San Diego Chargers- Jonas Mouton/ LB/ Michigan Wolverines/ 6'2 228 lbs./ Sr.
#62- Miami Dolphins- Daniel Thomas/ RB/ Kansas State Wildcats/ 6'2 228 lbs./ Sr.
#63- Pittsburgh Steelers- Marcus Gilbert/ OT/ Florida Gators/ 6'5 322 lbs/ Sr.
#64- Green Bay Packers- Randall Cobb/ WR/ Kentucky Wildcats/ 5'11 191 lbs/ Jr. 

END OF 2nd Round

2011 NFL Draft : Round 1

As mentioned in my column before, the 2011 NFL draft was a bit anticlimactic, but that being said, I also believe that many teams came away with horses: pure athletes who can do anything on the football field. Not only am I going to go over the entire draft, rounds 1-7, but I am also going to evaluate teams and grade them based on the  team needs that were addressed and how those draft picks fit in with their respective teams.  

2011 NFL Draft: Round One


#1- Carolina Panthers- Cameron Newton / QB/ Auburn Tigers- /6'6 247 lbs./ Jr. 
#2- Denver Broncos- Von Miller/ OLB/ Texas A&M Aggies-/ 6'3 240 lbs. / Sr.
#3 -Buffalo Bills- Marcell Dareus/ DT-NT/ Alabama Crimson Tide/ 6'4 306/ Jr.
#4- Cincinnati Bengals- A.J Green/WR/ Georgia Bulldogs/ 6'4 207 lbs/ Jr.
#5- Arizona Cardinals- Patrick Petersen/DB/ LSU Tigers/ 6'1  211 lbs/ Jr.
#6 -Atlanta Falcons- Julio Jones/ WR/ Alabama Crimson Tide/ 6'4 211 lbs./Jr.
#7 -San Francisco 49ers- Aldon Smith/ DE/OLB/ Missouri Tigers/ 6'5 255 lbs./So.
#8 -Tennessee Titans- Jake Locker/ QB/ Washington Huskies/ 6'3 226 lbs./Sr.
#9- Dallas Cowboys- Tyron Smith/OT/ USC Trojans/ 6'6 290 lbs./ Jr.
#10- Jacksonville Jaguars- Blaine Gabbert/ QB/ Missouri Tigers/ 6'5 240 lbs./Jr.
#11 -Houston Texans- J.J Watt/ DE/ Wisconsin Badgers/ 6'6 290 lbs./Jr.
#12- Minnesota Vikings- Christian Ponder/QB/ Florida State Seminoles/ 6'3 227 lbs./Jr.
#13- Detroit Lions- Nick Fairley/DT-NT/ Auburn Tigers/ 6'5 315 lbs./ Jr.
#14- St. Louis Rams-  Robert Quinn/ DE/ North Carolina Tar Heels/6'5  270  lbs./Jr.
#15- Miami Dolphins- Mike Pouncey/C/ Florida Gators/ 6'4 310 lbs./ Sr.
#16- Washington Redskins- Ryan Kerrigan/ DE/ Purdue Boilermakers/ 6'4 263 lbs./ Sr.
#17- New England Patriots- Nate Solder/ OT/ Colorado Buffaloes/ 6'9 305 lbs./ Sr.
#18- San Diego Chargers- Corey Liuget/ DT/ Illinois Fighting Illini/  6'3 300 lbs./ Jr.
#19- New York Giants- Prince Amukamara/ CB/ Nebraska Cornhuskers/ 6'1 205 lbs./ Sr.
#20- Tamps Bay Buccaneers- Adrian Clayborn/ DE/ Iowa Hawkeyes/ 6'4 285 lbs./ Sr.
#21- Cleveland Browns- Phil Taylor/DT-NT/ Baylor Bears/ 6'4 355 lbs./ Sr.
#22- Indianapolis Colts- Anthony Castonzo/ OT/ Boston College Eagles/ 6'7 295 lbs./ Sr.
#23- Philadelphia Eagles- Danny Watkins/ OT/ Baylor Bears/ 6'4 310 lbs./ Sr.
#24- New Orleans Saints- Cameron Jordan/ DE/ California Golden Bears/ 6'4 282 lbs./ Sr.
#25- Seattle Seahawks- James Carpenter/ OT/ Alabama Crimson Tide/ 6'5 300 lbs./ Sr.
#26- Kansas City Chiefs- Jonathan Baldwin/ WR/ Pittsburgh Panthers/ 6'5 225 lbs/Jr.
#27- Baltimore Ravens- Jimmy Smith/ CB/ Colorado Buffaloes/ 6'2 210 lbs./ Sr.
#28- New Orleans Saints- Mark Ingram/RB/ Alabama Crimson Tide/ 5'10 215 lbs./ Jr.
#29- Chicago Bears- Gabe Carimi/ OT/ Wisconsin Badgers/ 6'7 315 lbs./ Sr. 
#30- New York Jets- Muhammad Wilkerson/ DT/ Temple Owls/ 6'5 305 lbs./ Jr.
#31- Pittsburgh Steelers- Cameron Heyward/ DE/ The Ohio State Buckeyes/ 6'5 288 lbs./ Sr.
#32- Green Bay Packers- Derek Sherrod/ OT/ Mississippi State Bulldogs/ 6'6 305 lbs./ Sr.
END OF ROUND ONE

Rise of the New Guard : Memphis VS Oklahoma City

Fed Ex Forum was rocking like the Grand Ol' Opry Monday night in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals, giving the Memphis Grizzlies a raucous home court advantage . At least we thought.  Unfortunately for the upstart Grizzlies, the Oklahoma City Thunder played the most resilient brand of basketball that I've ever seen in the NBA, winning 133-123 in an Overtime thriller , tying the series 2-2.  If the series goes a full 7 games, the Thunder will be hosting the deciding game 7 as well as Game 5, forcing Memphis to win at least one game on the road and one back home.
The first four games  has been the most entertaining and even series yet, and both teams are making statements that they belong in the upper echelon of the league.A core group of young talent, PG Mike Conley, SG Tony Allen, C Mark Gasol, PF Zach Randolph, PF Darrell Arthur, SG O.J Mayo and PF/C Sam Young have made the previously unheard of Memphis Grizzlies look like a serious championship contender for years to come.
The consistency and ability of Randolph has been the  most interesting story of the postseason. In previous years, Z-Bo was a nuisance and a uncommitted player who cared more about his own numbers and lacked any kind of discipline and growth as a player and human being. This year is different. A different Z-Bo has been the best and most consistent player in this years postseason, showing that the ladder was not his real identity. He has become a leader to a team of very young, raw, athletic, and skilled players and has taken the Memphis Grizzlies to heights the team has never reached. Randolph had 21 points and 21 rebounds in a dominating performance and win in Game 3. He continued to excel in game 4 with 34 points and 16 boards.
That didn't match OKC Guard  Russell Westbrook and his Game 4 stat line. The incredibly talented guard out of UCLA put up 40 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds in the win. With the Los Angeles Lakers eliminated and the winner of the series facing Dallas, one of these teams will be in a Western Conference final after being perennial lottery pick recipients almost yearly. The time as championship contenders have arrived for both teams who have the luxury of  up and coming players with loads of talent, such as Kevin Durant, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and Serge Ibaka for OKC.
The young, great talent already mentioned for Memphis,  deserves even more praise for accomplishing this without arguably their best player, Rudy Gay, who was injured throughout most of the regular season and all of the playoffs. This is an exciting and mesmerizing series that will surely have a great representative in the conference finals. I want Memphis in 7 games but more than likely, OKC will prove to be the better team and prevail in 6 games.

Fall of a Dynasty

On Sunday night, The 2 two time defending NBA Champion, Los Angeles Lakers, lost 122-86 to the Dallas Mavericks and were swept in the Western Conference Semifinals 4-0. Game 4 marked an all time low and embarrassment for the story book careers of Head Coach Phil Jackson and minion Kobe Bryant. The game was such a embarrassment in fact, that Lakers Forward Lamar Odom was taking cheap shots at Dirk Nowitski by the 3rd quarter. Later in the quarter, Center Andrew Bynum was ejected from the game for a vicious, WWE style clothesline to Dallas guard J.J Barea that broke his ribs.
This is strong evidence that the Lakers do not know how to lose with class and that their players will go as shallow as possible to be the poor sports and sour losers that they are. This team doesn't know defeat and simply does not understand how to deal with adversity. Game 2 of the series could have told us all that as the word "quit" was written all over the players faces after the loss. Bryant had 17 pts in game 4, while going 0/5 from three point range. On the other side of the court, Jason Terry had a career night, shooting the lights out, making a career and NBA playoff record 9, 3 point field goals, finishing with 36 points. Dallas beat the Portland Trailblazers in 6 games in the opening round of the Western Conference playoffs and after sweeping L.A, the Mavs will await the winner of the other Western Conference Semifinal series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the upstart Memphis Grizzlies. Announcing earlier this season, Phil Jackson will now weigh his options and see if retirement is really what he wants ,while the Lakers are getting older by the day, leaving all to wonder if the Jackson-Bryant Dynasty in Los Angeles has come to it's downfall. Kobe is now the center piece alone without Jackson in the franchise, and it will be interesting to see how L.A will pick themselves up from the depths of defeat and start from scratch as they did before the two arrived in the city of Angels.

2011 NBA Playoffs: Chicago Bulls

When Michael Jordan left the Chicago Bulls in 1998 after winning 6 NBA titles (two three-peat's. 1991,'92,'93-'96,'97,'98) many around the country thought and believed the Bulls would never return to that kind of greatness or ever again have a player that could even compare to M.J. We were all wrong, as this year's Chicago squad looks all too familiar to the great teams of the 90's with MVP Point Guard Derek Rose as the next coming of Air Jordan, if you will.
The Central Division champs went into the playoffs as the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 62-20 record and blew by the Indiana Pacers in the first round. Rose was a monster this season, earning  the MVP award as the runaway candidate, and  youngest player at age 23 to win the award in  league history. The 3rd year phenom averaged 25 ppg, and 7.7 assists per game in only his 3rd NBA season.
The Bulls are up two games to one on the Atlanta Hawks  as Rose had an MVP like Game 3 Friday night in Atlanta. The former University of Memphis star and now bull superstar had quite the stat line, putting up  44 points, 7 assists, and  5 boards on the road. Look for the Chicago, now with momentum, to win the series in no more than 6 games.

2011 NCAA FBS College Football Preview Part 2

As I mentioned in part one of my NCAA College football preview, team needs, returning players, and my top 5 ranked teams heading into the 2011 College football season was unveiled.  Here is how I see the rest of the Pre Season Top 25.

#6- Stanford Cardinal- 





 #7- Arkansas Razorbacks-

#8 -Nebraska Cornhuskers -

#9- Oklahoma State Cowboys -

#10- West Virginia Mountaineers-

#11- South Carolina Gamecocks -

#12- Florida State Seminoles

#13- Michigan State Spartans

#14- Virginia Tech Hokies

#15 - Notre Dame Fighting Irish- 

#16 -Florida Gators -

#17-  The Ohio State Buckeyes

#18- TCU Horned Frogs-

#19- Auburn Tigers-

#20- Wisconsin Badgers-

#21- Miami Hurricanes-

#22- Utah Utes-

#23- Boston College Eagles-

#24- Iowa Hawkeyes-

#25- Arizona State Sun Devils-

2011 NCAA FBS College Football Preview

 On January 10, 2011, Glendale, Arizona held possibly one of the most exciting, down to the wire, national championship games in college football history. The first half was low scoring and and dominated by both defenses, but the game turned into what the media and fans expected, but not exactly. The game that matched #1 Auburn vs #2 Oregon would come down to the last possession as expected by some, but it was far from the high scoring event most thought would be a sure outcome.The University of  Oregon came within seconds of winning the national championship,  and a perfect 13-0 record that nobody thought was possible before the season began. Michael Dyer, Heisman trophy winner Cameron Newton and the Auburn Tigers prevailed on a last second field goal, winning the BCS National Championship game 22-19, also capping a season that nobody expected with a 14-0 record coming out of the Southeastern conference. Starting the 2010-2011 season, both teams were ranked outside the top ten, and Newton was on nobody's watch list for the Heisman Trophy. College football writer Phil Steele had him as a dark horse contender, but in actuality, all eyes were on Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor, Oklahoma QB Landry Jones, Houston QB Case Keenum, and returning 2009 Heisman Trophy winner, Alabama tailback Mark Ingram. These 4 student-athletes were the expected forerunners to win the coveted award.
The Upcoming 2011-2012 season looks to be as surprising and fascinating as the previous season with more story lines heading into this year's campaign.
 Most publications of pre-season rankings will likely have Oklahoma or Alabama as the top, consensus #1 ranked team in college football.  Here are my top 5 teams heading into the upcoming season.

#1 Oklahoma Sooners-  have 9 returning starters on offense, along with 7 returners on the other side of the football. This group of returning starters includes 2011 pre-season Heisman Trophy candidates , Senior WR Ryan Broyles, and Junior QB Landry Jones. The offense will surely be explosive, but the defensive secondary will have to replace FS Quinton Carter and CB Jonathan Nelson. The defensive line will also need to replace DE Jeremy Beal, and nose tackle Adrian Taylor.  But OU has tons of talent, and should have no problem picking up where they left off.
This is Oklahoma, a place that doesn't rebuild but reload with head coach Bob Stoops. I expect the Sooners to win their 2nd consecutive Big 12 championship after destroying an unworthy Connecticut team in the Fiesta Bowl. Prediction- 11-1, Big 12 Champions .  Players to watch- SR., DT Jamarkus McFarland, LB's  So. Tom Wort and Sr.Travis Lewis, Jr. QB Landry Jones, SR. WR, Ryan Broyles, SO. WR Kenny Stills.  Freshman Standout-  Brandon Williams, RB.

#2 Alabama Crimson Tide  - Bama returns 6 starters on offense, and 9 on defense.  Nine returning starters on a Nick Saban led defense is enough to keep them in the top 5 all year. The Crimson Tide lose 5 key starting play makers on offense and need young talent to step in and produce the way the previous class did. QB Greg McElroy, WR's Julio Jones and Darius Hanks, RB Mark Ingram (2009 Heisman trophy winner), and OT James Carpenter were all pillars on the 2010 National Championship team at Alabama, who made the offense run fluid ball games with leadership and skill, not to mention they were winners. Those are big shoes to fill, but like OU, Alabama has young blue chip recruits waiting their turn to get on the national stage and the transition should be successful. It also helps that the Tide are returning brick house Junior RB Trent Richardson ( 5'11 220 lbs.) and possibly the best strong safety in college football , Senior Mark Barron.
Prediction- 10-2, SEC West Champions, SEC Champions.
Players to watch- SS, Mark Barron, RB Trent Richardson, CB Dre Kirkpatrick, MLB Dont'A Hightower, CB DeMarcus Milliner, DL/LB Alfy Hill, LB Tana Patrick, LB Nico Johnson, QB A.J McCarron, QB Phillip Sims, WR Marquis Maze, RB Eddie Lacy. Bama also picked up WR Duron Carter from Junior college. (Ohio State transfer and son of NFL Hall of Famer Chris Carter)
Freshman Standout- LB Trey DePriest , DB- Hasean Clinton-Dix, RB Dee Hart, OT Cyrus Kouandjio

#3 Oregon Ducks - Coming off of two consecutive PAC-10 championships, and a BCS National Championship appearance in the first two seasons as head coach at the University of Oregon, I don't see Chip Kelly taking any steps backward. The PAC-10 has extended their conference to twelve teams, making the Utah Utes and Colorado Buffaloes expansion members of the newly named PAC-12 conference. The Conference split into north and south divisions, with Oregon in the North Division along with rivals Oregon State, Washington, Washington State, California, and Stanford. The South Division features USC, UCLA, Arizona, Arizona State, Utah, and Colorado. This is a favorable alignment for the Ducks, as they should contend to be in the PAC-12 Championship game for years to come. Head Coach Chip Kelly is an offensive genius who cannot get enough credit for what he has done for the Oregon football program. He took what former HC's Rich Brooks and Mike Bellotti started and took off to space with the program. The ducks need to replace WR's Jeff Maehl and D.J Davis. The Ducks return 2010 Doak Walker Award winner LaMichael James at RB, along with his 2 year backup and special teams standout Kenjon Barner. The Ducks also have their leader and signal caller,  QB Darron Thomas, back for the upcoming season as well. Thomas did an extremely good job in the PAC-10 last season and led the ducks to the national championship game and a school record 12-0 regular season as a first year starter. The Ducks need to find someone for Thomas to throw to with WR's Josh Huff and Lavasier Tuinai as the only proven talent at that position. With the upgrade of play and recruiting at U of O, I am almost positive that the LSU game at Texas Stadium on Sept. 4 to start the season, and the Stanford game in Palo Alto will decide Oregon's fate this season. This is a very solid, fast, athletic team that has turned into a steady, productive football program.
Prediction- 10-2, PAC 12 runner ups
Players to Watch- QB Darron Thomas, RB LaMichael James, RB Kenjon Barner, WR Josh Huff, CB Cliff Harris, CB Dior Mathis, LB Kiko Alonso, DT Ricky Heimuli
Freshman Standout- RB Lache Seastrunk, TE/ H Back Colt Lyerla, RB DeAnthony Thomas, LB Anthony Wallace, WR  Devon Blackmon

#4 LSU Tigers-  Head Coach Les Miles has a roster full of prototype football players. Extreme talent on the defensive side of the ball, and a shaky offense at best. The Offense improved late last season, but throughout the year, the team moved the ball no better than a confused high school team. That has to be fixed for the Tigers to stay in the top 5 and contend  for a national championship or SEC championship. The offense has 8 returning starters, 6 on defense. Lots of talent was lost to the NFL Draft including DB Patrick Petersen, and DT Drake Nevis. If the Tigers get by Oregon in week one, the momentum might carry them a long way.
Prediction- 9-3 3rd place, SEC West
Players to Watch- DE Sam Montgomery, DE Kendrick Adams, CB Morris Claiborne, WR Rueben Randle, QB Zach Lee, DL JR Ferguson, RB Spencer Ware, QB Jordan Jefferson, LB Stefoin Francois, OT Alex Hurst, OG Will Blackwell.
Freshman Standout-  OL La'El Collins, WR Jarvis Landry, DT Anthony Johnson, QB Jerrard Randall

#5 Boise State Broncos- I am not a big fan of the smurf turf or the program, but I can't hate on a team who has 3 undefeated regular seasons in 5 years under head coach Chris Petersen.  The Broncos have another candy coated, gift wrapped schedule that is a notch above the schedule they have honed in the past. BSU opens the season with the Georgia Bulldogs on the road in the Atlanta, Georgia Dome. This is a home game for Georgia, and I don't know if the Broncos have the firepower at the WR position to do what they did at Fed Ex Field to Virginia Tech last fall and replicate that at the Georgia Dome.  The Broncos have moved to the Mountain West Conference this season, so the natural rivalry with Idaho is gone, but at least for a year, the rivalry of TCU and BSU will be at a fever pitch. Boise State will be challenged despite Returning star RB Doug Martin, and Superstar QB Kellen Moore.  Air Force, San Diego State, Colorado State and Wyoming are a bit better than every year filler opponents that Boise State had played continuously in the WAC. Kellen Moore, the 4th year starting slinger at BSU will pick up where he left off the past three seasons, breaking nearly every school record in his trail. He does need help from the young group of  Wide Receivers to step up and create an identity the same way that former Bronco receivers Austin Pettis and Titus Young did throughout their great careers in Boise.  Overall, this is a winning program that will continue it's dominate success in the Mountain West the same way they did in the WAC. Especially once TCU is gone in the 2012 season to the Big East. And BYU deciding to go Independent, and Utah leaving for the PAC-12  does not help the strength of the Mountain West Conference at all. The compensation for those 3 strong programs leaving the MWC is half of the WAC migrating over to the MWC in their place. So in the end, Boise will continue to dominate as long as they can keep Chris Petersen. The loss of offensive coordinator Brian Harsdin to The University of Texas will be an intriguing piece in seeing the evolution of this program in Moore's last year and ahead in the future without him.
Prediction- 11-1, MWC Champions
Players to Watch- QB Kellen Moore, RB Doug Martin, DT Billy Wynn, DE Shea McClellan, LB Aaron Tevis, DE Kharyee Marshall, NT Chase Baker, NT Michael Atkinson, DT JP Nisby, DE Tyrone Crawford, WR Kirby Moore, TE Kyle Efaw.
Freshman Standout-  QB Jimmy Laughrea, LB Blake Renaud, WR Troy Ware

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Ronald Hill 5/5/11

2011 NFL Draft : year of the bust

Saturday night the NFL draft wrapped up it's three day event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, NY. The event was less than extraordinary unlike most years, not only due to labor disputes and uncertainty over the upcoming season, but also because the event was dragged out into an ultra bore filled with at best, a mediocre draft class and a controversial number one overall pick.
From the number one overall selection, to pick 258, " Mr. Irrelevent", the later rounds proved to be stale, while most teams decided to gamble with upside and unproven talent over worthy, draftable players , who were not selected at all.  The baffled look on "draft guru" Mel Kiper Jr's face on espn's coverage throughout the draft explains my point dramatically. 
The one and only noticeable weak point ruined the draft for me.The news that confirmed my opinion was a few minutes before the draft started when I heard that the Carolina Panthers would be selecting former Auburn quarterback  and 2010 Heisman Trophy winner, Cameron Newton. The hype surrounding Newton after a one year glide through FBS college football was confirmed by the NFL now, and so was the negative conotations that came along with the selection.
Newton was a prized recruit when he enrolled at the University of Florida in the same class as the locally beloved former Gator quarterback Tim Tebow. He showed to me that he was a diva that couldn't wait his turn to be the next great UF quarterback when he transferred after his sophomore season. When he left Blynn Junior College last spring, he knew what kind of situation and opportunity he would have at Auburn University with then new head coach Gene Chizik.
Everything looked good in the beginning of the 2010 College football season for Newton as he racked up yards and touchdowns on his feet and in the air like no other had ever seen at the qb position at Auburn. Everything was looking perfect in toomer's corner, where the toilet paper flows on the pines like water down a rapid flowing river. Then, the news came out that Newton and his father had accepted improper and illegal benefits from the university. Newton's punishment? Nothing! His father accepted all responsibility and the problem disappeared. Not a game suspended, not a single post season accolade or game taken away, nothing happened to Newton's eligibility status and there were no sanctions to Auburn University's football program.
Why did nothing happen when Reggie Bush had similar allegations when he was a Heisman trophy winning tailback at USC, and years later had to give up his Heisman trophy, forcing the program into years of sanctions, including no bowl games and scholarship reductions? The Auburn Tigers won the 2011 national championship as USC did in '03,'04,'05. And the outcome was hyped as usual.
All the way from January to late April, when Newton was taken with the first pick in the '11 Draft, he continued to climb up draft boards around the country despite many critics breaking down his mechanics and work ethic and not liking what they saw. This was just one pick in a draft filled with overrated players who certain teams took complete gambles on in early and later rounds. Don't get me wrong, some teams did it right, and drafted smart and well, but some teams overlooked the problems the same way that Auburn University and the NCAA did in the fall.